What we already met in a 5-inch format with Redmi 4a, is now to find also in a 5.5-inch format. We have already tested Redmi Note 5a Prime in detail and since almost everything is identical, in this article, I will briefly discuss the differences between the two models and my experiences after a week with Redmi Note 5a in its standard version (2 / 16GB). I also switched directly from Redmi Note 5a Prime to the standard version and used it for a week as my main phone. For the first time, a Xiaomi smartphone has bored me a bit.

Design and build quality

Talking about design and build quality, everything remains the same as in the Prime version. Note 5a is made entirely of plastic and the build quality is incredible. Everything is arranged in the same way, we can only distinguish both smartphones because Redmi Note 5a does not have a fingerprint scanner. At least once a day, I tried to unlock my Redmi Note 5a with the fingerprint scanner, as I was used to with the Prime version. For everything regarding the display, you can just give a look at the Redmi Note 5a Prime review. Considering that the device costs less than 100€, the display is just amazing, even if it “only” has a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels on a 5.5-inch display.

Performance

The Snapdragon 425 is almost half a Snapdragon 430/435. There are 4 Cortex-A53 cores, each clocking at 1.4GHz. The CPU is supported by an Adreno 308 GPU and by 2GB of RAM. The only storage version for Redmi Note 5a is, in this case, the standard version with 2/16GB and also the processor is noticeably weaker than the 435 processor of the Prime version.

The internal storage has a fast reading/writing speed of 178/73 MB/s and the RAM clocks at 3.75GB/s. If necessary, you can also extend the storage with a Micro-SD card.

However, the results of the benchmarks are well below the results of the Prime Version. In practice, Redmi Note 5a often needs an extra second for loading the apps and multitasking is very limited due to only 2GB of storage. Even normal gaming is possible, but it isn’t really fun to play because of its loading time. Here, we notice the price difference of 25€ – to normal smartphone users, we recommend investing this money for better performance.

Camera and Battery

The selfie camera of the standard version is a little weak, but still, it shoots good selfies for this price range. The pictures are detailed, sharp and the colors match the reality. Nevertheless, the Prime version makes much better selfies. The main camera is identical in both devices.

5A Prime

5A Prime

HDR

The battery life of Redmi Note 4a is slightly better due to the more energy-saving processor. In the PCMark battery test, the smartphone reached 9 hours of run time. Redmi Note 4X is more powerful and still clearly superior with its 4000mAh.

Conclusion and alternative

Jonas Andre:

In our review of Redmi Note 5a Prime, we wrote that the smartphone was “unnecessary”. However, the standard version makes it even harder. I cannot really imagine a person, who wouldn’t invest the 25€ of difference for the Prime version. For a few Euros more, you get a fingerprint sensor, noticeably more power, and a top-class selfie camera. As soon as the global version of Redmi Note 5A Prime will be on the market, the decision will be even easier. Until then, we can not recommend buying Redmi Note 5a either in the standard or in the Prime version. Xiaomi offers clearly cheaper and better smartphones than these.

Update: Xiaomi Redmi Note 5a is now available for 80 € in the Global Version (with LTE Band 20), making it the perfect counterpart of the smaller Redmi 5a. The Redmi A series offers good smartphones with incredible performance and this is an ideal smartphone for little money. If you are looking for a very cheap 5.5-inch device and do not mind the plastic casing, you can buy this model without hesitation!

Service

About us

ChinaHandys.net compares and tests China mobiles independently. We offer comprehensive purchase advice and a guide to find the right mobile phone for you. We also keep you informed about the latest smartphones from China and help you save a lot of money when buying a mobile phone.